Share
Bento Radio
Macross plus
•
In this episode of Bento Radio, Alex takes a deep dive into Macross Plus and explores why this 90s sci-fi classic feels more relevant now than ever. From its incredible OVA-era animation and high-speed mecha action to the eerie presence of virtual idol Sharon Apple, the conversation examines how the series anticipated modern anxieties around AI companions, algorithmic platforms, and emotionally manipulative technology decades before the current AI boom.
Along the way, Alex breaks down the tangled relationship between Isamu Dyson, Guld Bowman, and Myung Fang Lone, looking at Isamu’s rebellious “pilot above all else” mentality, Guld’s fragile masculinity and possessiveness, and the emotional burden placed on Myung as the human core behind Sharon Apple’s performances. The episode also discusses the show’s handling of abuse and assault, including where the story succeeds emotionally and where it falls short in addressing accountability.
The conversation expands into the larger history of the Macross franchise, its notoriously messy licensing situation in the United States, and why Macross Plus became one of the few accessible entry points for Western anime fans for years. Alex also explores the unique creative freedom of the OVA boom, the series’ complicated relationship with military culture and technology, and how Sharon Apple’s evolution mirrors today’s push toward AI-driven companionship and “AI everywhere” tech culture.
It’s a candid and thoughtful look at one of anime’s most prescient cyberpunk stories—and why its warnings still hit hard in 2026.
Visit https://bento-box.ghost.io/ for more anime thoughts
More episodes
View all episodes
The Anime Awards
34:49|n this episode, Alex critiques the Crunchyroll Anime Awards, arguing they’ve become a popularity contest. He outlines concrete fixes to restore prestige, improve voting, and elevate winner publicity.Dungeon Crawler Carl
34:46|In this episode, Alex explores the litRPG phenomenon Dungeon Crawler Carl, the cross-pollination between anime and Western media, and why depicting raw, volatile anger in characters matters.Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc
34:43|In this episode of Bento Radio, Alex dives deep into Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc, exploring how Tatsuki Fujimoto uses explosive action, awkward romance, and emotional manipulation to tell a much darker story about loneliness, abuse, and growing up too fast. What begins as a discussion of the film’s plot quickly expands into a broader conversation about worldbuilding in anime, comparing Chainsaw Man’s intentionally “placeless” setting to the fully realized worlds of creators like Hiromu Arakawa.Alex breaks down Denji’s role as a teenager forced into adulthood long before he was emotionally ready, examining how characters like Makima and Reze weaponize affection, intimacy, and attention to control him. Along the way, the episode explores the film’s pacing, the differences between anime movies and episodic storytelling, the emotional function of Chainsaw Man’s supporting cast, and why Fujimoto’s work resonates so strongly with audiences despite rejecting many traditional shonen conventions.From discussions of poverty and emotional vulnerability to shark devils, bombastic fight scenes, and Denji accidentally becoming “horseman” on a land shark, this episode unpacks why Reze Arc may be one of the most emotionally revealing parts of Chainsaw Man yet.Miss Hokusai
41:01|In this episode of Bento Radio, Alex takes a deep, reflective dive into Miss Hokusai (2015), using Keiichi Hara’s quietly powerful film as a lens to explore the realities of being an artist in Edo Japan. Framed by the moment when Hayao Miyazaki was publicly contemplating retirement—and the industry’s obsession with finding “the next Miyazaki”—the episode contrasts Hara’s restrained storytelling with the more emotionally heightened styles of Makoto Shinkai and Mamoru Hosoda.From there, the conversation drifts into the film’s rich magical realism, where art feels alive—capable of solving both practical problems and spiritual ones. Alex unpacks the working life of artists in Edo: repainting commissions, illustrating erotica, and sketching from lived experience, all in pursuit of something deeper than technique—something closer to a soul.At the heart of the episode is the emotional thread surrounding Nao, Hokusai’s blind daughter, and how her presence shapes O-Ei’s journey toward finding her own artistic voice. Key moments—from the bridge sequence to the quiet echoes of The Great Wave—are explored alongside recurring imagery of fire, which highlights the fragility and consequences woven into both art and life.The episode also reflects on the personal cost of creativity, drawing connections to real-world figures like Yves Saint Laurent and Anthony Bourdain, before closing on what makes Miss Hokusai stand apart: an unfiltered, deeply human portrait of genius that refuses the polish of traditional biopics.Monster Musume
38:15|Monster Musume is often dismissed as just another fanservice-heavy monster girl series—but that surface-level read misses what’s really going on underneath.In this episode of Bento Radio, I take a closer look at how Monster Musume—and the broader monster girl genre—can be read as a quiet exploration of disability, accessibility, and social integration. Through its exaggerated character designs and chaotic setups, the series consistently highlights what it means to navigate a world that wasn’t built for you.From government housing adjustments to everyday physical limitations, the show uses its ecchi framework to explore real-world ideas in a way that’s both messy and surprisingly thoughtful.It’s not always subtle, and it definitely leans into its genre conventions—but there’s a deeper layer here that’s worth unpacking.If you enjoy thoughtful anime analysis, be sure to follow the show and leave a rating—it helps more people find the podcast.Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3
46:21|This week on Bento Radio, I’m digging into Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3—and why it feels so different from everything that came before it.The Culling Game pushes the series into full chaos, but what really stands out isn’t just the scale—it’s the way the show is being made. The structure is looser, the fights are more expressive, and the whole thing starts to feel less like traditional shonen and more like something closer to art house cinema.I talk about how MAPPA is approaching this season stylistically, why it feels almost like freeform jazz, and how that shift changes the way the story lands.From there, I get into what Jujutsu Kaisen is actually saying—about broken systems, about flawed people, and about a world where being “good” isn’t always what gets rewarded.It’s one of the most ambitious swings in modern anime, and whether it fully works or not, it’s hard to ignore.What Im Watching this Spring 2026 season
19:55|Spring 2026 anime is here, and instead of trying to keep up with everything, I’m focusing on three shows that actually feel worth watching.In this episode, I break down what I’m watching this season and why these picks stood out—from the emotional storytelling of Akane-Banashi, to the long-anticipated adaptation of Witch Hat Atelier, and the latest series from the creator of Fullmetal Alchemist.This isn’t just a seasonal roundup. It’s a look at the kinds of stories anime is telling right now, and why certain shows hit differently in this moment.If you’re looking for something new to watch—or just want a more thoughtful take on the current season—this episode is for you.Frieren season 2
31:56|This week on Bento Radio, I’m diving into Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2, a series that continues to prove why it’s one of the most compelling fantasy anime in years.Instead of focusing on spectacle alone, Frieren builds its story around memory, time, and the quiet weight of human connection. As Frieren travels with Fern and Stark, the series deepens its exploration of what it means to outlive the people you care about, and how those relationships continue to shape you long after they’re gone.In this episode, I break down what makes Season 2 feel different from the first, how its increased focus on action still serves the story rather than distracting from it, and why Frieren stands alongside genre-defining works like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and Cowboy Bebop.I also talk about how modern audiences engage with anime, and why Frieren manages to rise above trends to deliver something that feels lasting.If you’ve been wondering whether Frieren is worth your time, or why it’s become such a standout series, this is the episode for you.